Transformation Unplugged - By Idris Jala
The young need to be shown that the agricultural and fisheries sectors have opportunities for those who are interested. |
That decline is a normal phenomena in the cycle of development. For instance, the contribution of agriculture to the GDP of developed countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan is only between 1% and 3%.
But in terms of employment, a lot more people are involved in agriculture. In 2010, agriculture, forestry and fishing accounted for 13.3% of total employment of 11.1 million. In contrast, the much-touted manufacturing accounted for 16.9%, not that much more.
While the importance of agriculture is declining, it is still important to the economy and deserves attention because of the large number of people dependent on it.
We need agriculture for the sake of food security and easy supply of essential food, especially rice, in which we are still not self-sufficient.
To-date, 29 villages have been selected and multiple projects in industries such as madu kelulut harvesting, homestay, fish and chicken farms, and eco-tourism have been approved.
Recently, at least seven villages have begun quick-win projects with the aim of generating revenue in 2014.
MoU signing between KKLW and Syamille Agro Farm for Madu Kelulut Harvesting projects - 21st Century Villages - Program Desa Lestari - 2013 |
The full article, Published: Monday September 30, 2013, can be read here http://www.thestar.com.my/Business/Business-News/2013/09/30/Agriculture-is-a-sector-that-is-still-important-to-Malaysias-economy.aspx